By: Sean Gerrie

Turkey is hotly-tipped to be summer 2010’s favourite holiday destination, according to the experts at Hays Travel. The country is attracting high numbers of visitors because of its guaranteed sunshine and position outside of the comparatively expensive Euro zone. Turkey offers an array of coastal resorts and value-for-money all-inclusive hotels but has gathered a reputation for being rowdy and brash in recent years.

“It doesn’t have to be like that,” says Emily, a Personal Travel Consultant with Hays, “There’s something for every kind of holidaymaker in Turkey. Yes, there are busy resorts with nightclubs and bars – which many travellers love – but there are also cool mountain retreats, quaint fishing villages, gulet cruises and of course, city breaks.”

Indeed, Istanbul is European Capital of Culture 2010. Regular direct flights from the UK and a wide range of affordable, boutique hotels all combine to make a good choice for a city break destination. Explore iconic sites such as the Blue Mosque, haggle in the markets to grab a bargain and enjoy cruising along the magnificent Bosphorous Canal.

Turkey offers plenty of Holiday options…

Turkey offers plenty of holiday options for holidaymakers looking for luxury, especially on the Turkish Riviera. Here you’ll find pristine beaches, excellent golf courses and five star hotels including the spectacular Mardan Palace. The opening of this opulent property last summer attracted A-List celebrities including Mariah Carey, Sharon Stone, Richard Gere and Paris Hilton. Boasting the Mediterranean’s largest swimming pool, gourment dining and stunning interiors of gold leaf and crystal, the Mardan Palace defines luxury.

Traditional Turkey Holiday Experience

Travellers seeking a more traditional Turkish experience won’t be disappointed though. It’s well worth considering a small guest house. “Some of most popular hotels in the country are tiny bed and breakfasts,” says Emily, “in places like that, you’ll often get more attentive service and authentic, local food. This is the kind of experience many holidaymakers are looking for when they come to Turkey.”

It’s not just Istanbul that offers fascinating religious and archeological sites. Tourists staying in the Bodrum and Izmir region can easily visit Ephesus and those on the Turquoise coast can enjoy a trip to the mystical tombs near Dalyan.

Stunning Beaches in Turkey with hundreds of islands around Turkey coastline.

Turkey is rich in natural sites: the sweeping bay of Olu Deniz is one of the world’s most photographed beaches and nearby you can enjoy relaxing mud baths. The natural phenomenon of Pammukale or ‘Cotton Castle’ with its hot springs and white stalactite formations has to be seen (and photographed) to be believed. On the clear coastline surrounding the Mugla province, discover hundreds of untouched islands and, if you’re lucky, spot an endangered loggerhead turtle.

Of course, no visit to Turkey would be complete without the obligatory Turkish bath, traditional kebab and a taste of Turkish Delight.

Hays Travel were established in 1980 and are the UK’s largest independently-owned travel agency. Hays Travel’s ability to check availability across a huge range of tour operators, airlines and accommodation suppliers means that they have many bargain deals for holidays to all parts of Turkey, to suit all budgets in 2010.